Nigeria: Etuk Ubong to release new album during virtual performance

The offering, which is being released by the Night Dreamer label, captures Ubong's creative energy on six tracks recorded in one session with 10 musicians from the UK, Netherlands and Nigeria. The album was rehearsed and recorded at Artone Studio in Haarlem, Netherlands. Ubong features on trumpet and lead vocals and much of the music is fast-paced and politically charged, particularly on titles such as 'African Struggle' and 'Mass Corruption'.

"Recording it wasn't an easy task because I had to invoke the African ethos into the musicians to interpret the ideas, and manufacture the album in a day after three days of rigorous rehearsals," he told Music In Africa.

He said the songs on the album relate to events in Africa and address injustices and the need for humanity and spirituality. On the song 'Spiritual Change', Ubong reflects on "Africans' need for internal change before they can address the problems around them."

"It's time to end Marxism, Leninism, capitalism, communism, socialism, nepotism and tribalism – and think Africanism. Freedom is never voluntarily granted by the oppressors; it must be demanded by the oppressed, so there's a need for the liberation of the African mind by decolonising the African mind."

Asked to describe the album's title, Ubong said: "Extreme poverty, high level of corruption, poor education system and living standards, bad roads, inadequate security surveillance, no stable electricity, low living standards, lack of adequate health-care facilities and no jobs. This is Africa Today."

In early 2020, Ubong opened the doors to The Truth venue, which is situated in the entertainment district of Surulere. He is known for developing an eclectic style, which he calls 'earth music' – a combination of Afrobeat, highlife, jazz and traditional Nigerian music.

Ahead of the album release, Night Dreamer described Ubong as a "highly accomplished musician who has absorbed his home's musical heritage, created his sound and already made an impact not only in Lagos but also within the exciting UK and South African jazz scenes."

Pre-order Africa Today – Night Dreamer Direct-To-Disc Sessions here.